I have a confession to make. I think about Christmas year round. In fact, before Christmas day is over, I’m already thinking about what I want to bake, cook, and buy for the next Christmas. Mind you, I’m not saying I’m normal (that’s something I’d never even think about saying) – it just is what it is.

Since we have a large family, it’s actually a good thing that I have Christmas on the brain every day of the year. After all, if I waited until November and December to do all of my Christmas shopping, I’d never make it.

Neither would our bank account.

Right after Christmas, I begin buying Christmas gifts and hiding them away. You know how people are always saying they wish the Christmas Spirit could last all year long? I’m here to tell you, it CAN.

On a recent trip to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, we (as we always do) stopped by The Hitching Post in Aurora. We always take the opportunity to browse around and stock up on jams, Kentucky food, homemade fudge, and bottles of vintage soda pop.

I kept seeing perfect Christmas gifts for my husband, our daughters & sons-in-law, and grandbaby (our first… he’s due in January!). Literally everywhere I turned I saw something that “so and so” just “has to have” and things that “such and such” would “absolutely flip sideways for.”

That’s when the idea for this post came about. I figured if my such and suchs and so and sos would flip sideways, yours will too. Below are just some of the gift ideas I spied on this trip. Trust me, we’ll be going back again soon and I’ll find more.

In other words, there’ll be future posts just like this one…. Christmas on the brain, you know.

The first gift idea of the 10 is the RC and Moon Pies gift set at the top. The “Redneck Six Pack” has 2 RC Colas and 4 Moon Pies. This would, obviously, be a perfect idea for anyone, whether their neck is red or not. I mean, everyone loves delicious RC and Moon Pies.

Gift ideas number 2-10 are below.

Christmas Gift Idea for Teachers, Principals & Childcare Workers

The adorable Colored Pencil Frame (above) would be ideal for teachers, principals, or anyone who works with children for that matter.

It’s even cuter in person – very well made and affordable.

Gift Idea for Grandparents

As I said, above, we are expecting our first grandbaby in January and we couldn’t be more excited. I cannot wait to get my hands on him and spoil him like any self-respecting grandmother should! The sign, above, would make a wonderful (and downright honest) gift for any grandparent.

Gift Idea for Pet Lovers

Whether the pet lovers in your life are owned by cats (like me) or are owned by dogs, the pet lovers sign, above, would make them nod in agreement and maybe even give a few, “AMEN”s – I know I did when I read it.

Gift Idea for Proud Kentuckians

Okay, this one probably applies to all of us. This beautiful “Happiness is a State of Mind” (with our beloved Kentucky in the middle) sign would make a wonderful gift for all Kentuckians. Whether they are still blessed to live here in the Bluegrass OR they’re Kentuckians who now have to call somewhere else “home.” Then again, even when we Kentuckians have to live in another state, only one comes to mind when we hear the word “home.” When we temporarily lived in Florida, whenever I’d hear the word “home” – I didn’t think of the beaches, dolphins, and pelicans, I thought of the hills, horses, and cardinals.

There really is NO place like home.

Gift Ideas for Fishermen and Women

The picture above is just a fraction of the great gift ideas for people who love fishing (or hunting, for that matter). There are countless books, trinkets, signs, and fun gifts for people who spend a lot of time fishing and even more time thinking about fishing.

Elmwood Inn Fine Teas for Tea Lovers

A few Christmases ago, my husband gave me a glorious gift basket that included a container of Elmwood Inn Fine Tea bags (like the ones pictured above). I’ve been obsessed with this beautiful tea since. People who aren’t tea lovers (what do you people even drink??) might not believe it, but there is a HUGE difference in different teas. You can taste the quality in really special tea and Elmwood Inn Fine Teas is a perfect, perfect, perfect example. A container or two of this wonderful tea in a bag with a lovely teacup would be a gift any tea drinker would love.

It takes a cook to know what cooks want… what they really, really want… so you’re in good hands with me. I cook, therefore I am. Does that sum it up enough? I am as passionate about cooking as Garfield the cat is about napping and I always find SO many wonderful foods, spices, seasonings at The Hitching Post as well as the Old Country Store right beside it. Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt and Pepper are absolutely delicious on and in just about anything. The flavor and aroma is out of this world and I know they also make Bourbon Smoked Sugar but honestly can’t remember if I saw it at The Hitching Post or not.

Another favorite that I have trouble living without is something called Taste Elevated Sweet and Tangy Mustard Seeds (badly pictured below… my old phone sucked at taking pictures). I cannot even tell you how delicious it is. Why I’ve never taken a better picture of it is beyond me, but it is phenomenal – we love it on hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, in egg salad sandwiches, on deviled eggs, on crackers…. one of the best ways to enjoy it, however, is with pretzels. This delicious spread/dip is one of those things you have to try to believe how delicious it is.

It’d make a great gift idea for any foodie or cook, but be sure to grab yourself a jar while you’re at it.

Trust me.

The Hitching Post also has a lot of Christmas ornaments and decorations throughout the store as well. I’d imagine that they’ll even have more as we get closer to Christmas. I mean, even I realize it’s still a few months away.

Writers, Students, Note-Takers, and Planners

The adorable journals pictured above are extra, extra special. I wanted just about every single one – except for the retirement journal… I mean, retire from what? You could find a perfect journal for just about anyone on your list. Seriously, these are super cute.

Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Laugh!

Last… but far from least… you’ll find endless gifts for people who love to laugh. If you ask me, it’s downright dangerous to take life too seriously and the people at The Hitching Post seem to really get that. I mean they seem to really, really, really get that!

The sign above and the “Mug Shots” below are just a few of the hilarious gift ideas. You will, literally, find yourself surrounded with hundreds of great gift ideas.

Until the next 10, I have supper to cook and Christmas to think about…

The weather hasn’t gotten the memo yet, but we’re getting closer and closer to Christmas! The Kentucky State Resort Parks do almost everything* perfectly and decorating for Christmas is no exception. I love visiting as many as possible around Christmas just to see the beautiful decorations.

The Parks are prepared for the winter holidays with decorations, candlelight tours, special meals, entertainment and other unique events planned.

The historic homes, Waveland, White Hall, My Old Kentucky Home and the Butler-Turpin House, all have special Christmas tours planned. Resort parks are planning special meals and events for the children. See a list of events at: http://parks.ky.gov/holiday-events/

State parks are a great place for Christmas and holiday gatherings, in addition to get-togethers throughout the year. The resort parks have restaurants, meeting areas and gift shops that offer unique gift ideas. That includes Kentucky Unbridled Spirit gift cards, which are valid at Kentucky State Parks, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

All resort parks will be open for lodging seven days a week this winter and make for a wonderful weekend getaway or a holiday party.

Many state resort parks will also hold New Year’s Eve parties and dinners Dec. 31. To get more information, buy a gift card or to make a reservation, visit www.parks.ky.gov.

* The only thing they don’t do perfectly is they don’t have “gluten-free” meal options yet. Since I had to give up wheat and gluten (for health reasons), I can’t eat at the resort parks any more and I miss them a lot! I have a feeling they’ll come up with gluten free options sooner rather than later and when they do, you’ll see tons of food here on Genuine Kentucky as I write about each one.

Two of of my three daughters (Emily and Stephany) and I have a tradition that kind of allows us to make Christmas last all year long. Beginning in January, we start “rounding up” Christmas gifts for loved ones and we stash them away in hidden totes until the day after Thanksgiving… then the wrapping begins. My other daughter (Brittany) is like my husband/their father, Christmas officially begins in December and they will not consider any other approach!

Many of these candles, at The Hitching Post (Aurora, KY, near Kentucky Lake) are destined for my hidden Christmas totes. Let’s make no mistake about it, though, they’re also destined for my kitchen, dining room, den, bathrooms… They are Heavenly.

Each one smelled out of this world – Lilac & Wildflowers, Cabin Fever, Lemon Cheesecake, Honeysuckle Pear, French Thyme… and my personal favorite, Eucalyptus Lavender.

Candles like this make excellent gift ideas because it’s one thing people always want and need. These beauties are extra special because you can clean them out after the candle has been used up and use the beautiful little jar as a vase or to hold anything from Q-Tips to kitchen gadgets.

So we meet again, December. The trees are settling in for their winter’s slumber, the air is crisp, UK basketball is shaking things up, Christmas is around the corner, and I’m never without a Chai Tea Latte by my side.

Sigh, I love this time of year.

With cooler weather, however, comes changes in hours and days a lot of places are open for business. When it comes to locally owned businesses (especially the smaller ones), it’s always best to call first. Never assume anyone is open every day of the week in the winter. You might find yourself scrambling for a place to eat supper at 4:30 pm – been there, done that!

The Land Between the Lakes has released the Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day hours for the Golden Pond Visitor Center and the Administrative Office.

The Elk & Bison Prairie (one of my favorite places on earth) will remain open through the holidays. The prairie, like the region itself, remains beautiful throughout the winter. I hope you won’t allow cold weather to keep you from enjoying the beautiful LBL. Photographers will always find a million and one opportunities for the “shot of a lifetime.” There’s a lot to be said for bare trees and fewer crowds, after all. You can see the birds, nests, and wildlife much easier.

The Golden Pond Visitor Center and the Administrative Office at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area will have special hours during the 2015 holiday season.

Golden Pond Visitor Center:

Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, Open 9am-3pm

Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, Closed

New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31, Open 9am-3pm

New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, 2016, Closed

Administrative Office:

Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, Closed

New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, 2016, Closed

The Elk & Bison Prairie Wranglers Campground, and Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area and Trails remain open during the holidays.

“Call Before You Haul” 270-924-2000 or visit www.LandBetweenTheLakes.us and click on Alerts to check for any trail closures due to excessive wet weather conditions.

Since I was knee-high to a grasshopper (is that phrase oozing Kentucky or what?), I’ve loved Christmas like it was my life source. It’s a beautiful, magical time of year when everything just seems so right. There are so many smiles, so much beautiful music, so many colors, and SO MUCH JOY. The air is brisk and chilly and, if we’re lucky, we even have snow.

As a matter of fact, yes, I am one of those people who LOVES winter and snow. Apologies to the summer lovers out there, but I pretty much hope and watch for snow every day from November 15th – March 15th.

I hope that this year you’ll embrace every single minute of the Christmas season and cherish every moment with your loved ones. The world is filled with a lot of ugliness right now, so hang onto every ounce of beauty and love that you can. Spend time with your family and let everyone know how much you love them and how blessed you are to have them in your life.

The Kentucky State parks are a great place for spending time with your loved ones any time of year, including Christmas. The resort parks have restaurants, meeting areas and gift shops that offer very unique gift ideas (crafts, mugs, t-shirts, toys, stuffed animals, Kentucky food, jewelry….). Kentucky Unbridled Spirit gift cards – valid at Kentucky State Parks, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea – are also available in gift shops.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Below is a listing of special Christmas events during December at Kentucky State Parks (all times local):

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

Breakfast and the Grinch, Dec. 12

Barren River Lake State Resort Park invites you to Breakfast and the Grinch. Enjoy green eggs and ham, visit with the Grinch, story time of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and make a holiday craft. Limited seating; registration required. Registration fees apply. Afterwards, stop by and visit with Santa in the holiday villa to give him your wish list. Don’t forget your camera to take pictures with the Grinch and Santa. Call 270-646-2151.

Buckhorn Lake State Park, Buckhorn

Holiday on the Park, Dec. 5

Enjoy getting ready for the holidays by visiting Buckhorn Lake. Start your visit with crafts at 1:30 p.m., followed by popcorn ball making at 3:30 p.m. Santa will visit at 5:30 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. you can enjoy a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Call 606-398-7510.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Holiday Dinner and Movie, Dec. 19

Bring the entire family out for a special holiday buffet at Hidden Waters Restaurant. After dinner, make a new memory for this year’s Christmas tree by making a hand-crafted ornament. Then grab a bag of popcorn and a big mug of hot chocolate and settle in for a screening of a holiday family favorite. Help Blue Licks continue a new holiday tradition with your family with good food, good memories, and a good movie! The cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child. (Price includes special buffet, drink, craft, movie tickets, popcorn and hot chocolate!) The evening begins at 5 p.m. with dinner and movie at 7:30 p.m. Call 800-443-7008 or email paul.tierney@ky.gov

E.P. ‘Tom’ Sawyer State Park, Louisville

Holiday Wreath Workshop, Dec. 5

It’s about that time to decorate for the Holidays! There is no better way to create a festive look than to hang a wreath at your home or office. Why not create your own custom holiday wreath that you will treasure for years to come? Join our park staff as we teach you how to use vines and other natural materials to build your very own holiday wreath! The park will provide all items needed to build and decorate the wreaths; all you need is your creativity! The fee is $10 per wreath. Open from 1-3 p.m. Registration is required; call 502-429-7270 or email Lora Sekeres at: lora.sekeres@ky.gov for more information.

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton

Frozen Wonderland Day and Festival of Trees, Dec. 5

The park will have your favorite “Frozen” and holiday characters: Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, Grinch, Buddy Elf, Cat in the Hat, Ralphie, and, of course, Santa Claus. Start with breakfast from 8-10:30 a.m. at Two Rivers Restaurant. Regular breakfast pricing (plus tax) will apply. Then come upstairs from 9 a.m.-noon for viewing the array of trees decorated by local businesses, civic organizations, and schools. (Note: Trees will stay on display for the month of December, but please check with the Lodge about holiday closing dates.) Along with the beautiful trees, special entertainers will be on hand to top off your Frozen Wonderland experience while visiting General Butler State Resort Park. Event activities are free and open to resort guests and general public. Call 502-732-4384.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg

Breakfast With Santa and Frosty, Dec. 11, 12, 13, 19, 20

Hey kids! Be sure to drop by Jenny Wiley State Resort Park to visit Santa and Frosty and their friends for breakfast at the May Lodge. Make sure to bring your camera for a picture! Breakfast will be served 8-10 a.m. Adults are $8.50 and children ages 6-12 are $5.50. Children 5 and under are free. Drink and tax not included. Call 606-889-1790.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Little Rembrandts-Holiday Ornaments, Dec. 4

Get in the holiday spirit with your child, ages 3-5, as we design and decorate an ornament at the museum just in time for your tree. Paints, glitter, ribbon and more. Holiday Art at the Park is from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Dress for a mess. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. Fee: $7. Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett Audubon Museum 270-827-1893 kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora

Santa and Mrs. Claus, Dec. 13

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Kenlake State Resort Park on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 1-3 p.m. Children can tell Santa their wishes, enjoy making reindeer food, crafts and coloring pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Aurora Landing Restaurant will offer a special child-friendly lunch and will offer buy one adult meal and get one child’s meal free for children 12 and under. Canned goods will be accepted for NEEDLINE, a community support group. Bring your camera! Call 270-474-2211.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville

Breakfast with Santa and Frosty, Dec. 5

Join Santa and his friends for a conversation, pictures, and a child-friendly buffet. This annual event is from 8-11 a.m. and also includes cookie decorating and a small gift (while supplies last). Adults $8.50; children ages 6-12 are $5.50; children 5 and under are free. Call 1-800-325-0146.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown

Candlelight Christmas Tours, Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5, 11-12

See My Old Kentucky Home glowing in candlelight and fully decorated in brilliant Christmas decor this holiday season! Rooms in the mansion will be decorated for the holidays. Some will have 12-foot-tall Christmas trees. Stroll through the ages of Christmas as we bring out the best of My Old Kentucky Home through decoration, music, and food. Enjoy the sights, hear the beautiful live acoustic music, and enjoy Victorian-era Christmas treats such as cider, cookies and more!

Santa Claus will also be making a visit this year to read “The Night Before Christmas” for the kids, and will be waiting to hear what everyone wants for Christmas! Children can make their own ornaments to hang on the wish tree in the mansion’s children’s bedroom. Tours are available 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and are available by calling 502-348-3502 or sold at the door.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade

Breakfast With Santa and Craft Fair, Dec. 12

The park’s holiday breakfast starts at 8 a.m. followed by pictures with Santa in the Hemlock Lodge Lobby starting at 9 a.m. There will also be a build-your-own toy workshop in the Magnolia Room and a crafts fair in the Trillium Room starting at 9 a.m. Call 606-663-2214.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

Santa Visit and Open House, Dec. 5

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The stockings are hung by the fireplace. Holiday lights, festive attractions, spectacular events and family traditions are just a few ways to celebrate the season at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. The park will host its annual Santa Visits the Park and Gift Shop Open House on Dec. 5. The gift shop open house will take place all day long with all items discounted 25 percent. A buffet dinner will be available 4-8 p.m. at the Clifty Creek Restaurant. Free photos with Santa will be offered 5-7 p.m. in the lobby. Music in the dining room available 6-8 p.m. Traci & Friends will play some holiday favorites and country classics. Then, Gail McEwen will perform some holiday music. On Dec. 12, the park will again offer music from 6-8 p.m. with Chris Tolliver on piano followed by an encore performance by Gail McEwen singing holiday music. Call 1-800-325-1711.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville

Moonlight and Mistletoe, Dec. 3, 10, 17

The Moonlight and Mistletoe Dinner will include turkey or stuffed pork loin, mashed potatoes and gravy, your choice of green beans or corn and your choice of dessert, double chocolate mousse or banana caramel pudding. The dinner, served 5-8 p.m., is $11.99 per person and does not include tax, beverage or gratuity. Santa and the Grinch will be in the lobby on these dates for photos. On Dec. 3, the Middlesboro High School Choir will be caroling in the lobby from 5:30-7:30 p.m. On Dec. 17, the Bell County High School Choir will be caroling in the lobby from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Call 606-337-3066.

{Kentucky State Park Christmas Events Continued Below…}

Rough River Dam State Resort Park

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough

Supper with Santa, Dec. 5

Grayson’s Landing Restaurant will host Supper with Santa 4:30-8 p.m. This kid-friendly buffet is $9.99 for adults and $4.99 for children. Bring your camera for photos with Santa and create your own Christmas ornaments. Call 800-325-1713.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season at Waveland State Historic Site. Relive Christmas of the past with scenes from the classic story, “A Christmas Carol.”Santa will be in the parlor reciting the story, “The Night Before Christmas.” Remember to bring your camera! Come enjoy cookies and hot cocoa while shopping for that special someone in our log cabin gift shop. Open 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and children 6 and under are free. Call 859-272-3611.

Many state resort parks will also hold New Year’s Eve parties and dinners Dec. 31. For more information about these and other events, call your favorite park or visit www.parks.ky.gov

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